Other things we can do

[BisleyBoy]

Ok, this is a pretty shoddily titled thread, but I was just wondering what else those of us who are suffering from mental health problems can do to help ourselves, apart from just taking medication. Just wondering what other ideas people have as I'm willing to try anything right now.
I do take medication (although it's not working), am starting psychotherapy soon. Just wondering what others do to help on top of the more conventional things, and whether it helps.

Ive found yoga, gentle jogging and simple craft stuff really helpful. Probably more so than CBT.

am midway through a tough course of intensive cbt. its the only thing that has come close to helping but i only have two more sessions and im no where near ready. i do find that exercise helps but at my lowest im just too anxious.

Anyone else got any ideas? Does anyone find that sleep hygiene, diet changes etc help? Does anyone do meditation? I'm thinking about trying that.

My CBT therapist said the first thing to do was to make sure I got enough sleep, ate a balanced diet and kept hydrated. I didn't think it would matter much but it made a huge difference - especially the diet. I never used to eat breakfast (was anxious about it making me sick during the day) but once I started I found the anxiety eased an awful lot and now on the odd occasion I miss it - I suffer terribly like I used to. I think there's something about low blood sugar being able to trigger anxiety ?

Yoga has been fantastic - as has running, and walking. All helps to release endorphins and take the edge off anxiety. Sometimes just a change of scene and fresh air can help.